After initially predicting a six to eight week lay off for the French midfielder, Wenger has finally been able to welcome Nasri back to first team training, a full three months after Diaby broke Nasri’s leg in training.
The 22 year old came through 58 minutes unscathed for the reserves in a 2-2 draw with Wolves last night and was joined by Lukasz Fabianski who completed the full 90 minutes on his comeback from knee surgery. The Pole has missed the opportunity to take advantage of Almunia’s absence and will be eager to cement his place above the largely impressive Mannone in the goalkeeping pecking order.
Nasri wasted little time in displaying his quality as he set up the prolific Giles Sunu for the opening goal on 21 minutes. Interestingly, Samir was deployed in a midfield three which suggests that Wenger would like to see the number eight play a more withdrawn role than he enjoyed in his time with Marseille. Wenger experimented with Nasri in a holding role last year but that wasted his attacking skill so playing him just in front of Song, alongside Fabregas, appears to be the natural solution, particularly with Denilson injured and Diaby still trying to find consistency.
Injuries are dictating Wenger’s team selection at the moment but if, and it’s a big if, the squad is ever injury free, the boss will be spoilt for choice.